A traveling Museum exhibition in the making (Januray 07, 2005)

Changing Identity will introduces, starting in January 2006, the work
of seven contemporary Vietnamese women artists who challenge the
stereotypes and traditional roles of women in Vietnamese society.
Curated by Nora A. Taylor, This exhibition is the first survey of women
artists from Vietnam to tour the United States. Through the use of
various media, subject matters, and aesthetic sensibilities, two
generations of artists share views of their country and the changing
status of women. Together their work provides a diverse view of Vietnam
itself, reflecting a range of opinions and experiences.
The artists selected are: Dang Thi Khue, Dinh Thi Tham Poong, Nguyen
Bach Dan, Nguyen Thi Chau Giang, Ly Tran Quynh Giang, Nguyen Thi Trinh
Le and Ly Hoang Ly. Each of these women has a particular way of shaping
her work and of identifying herself that is both personal and
universal.

Their chosen themes are meant to evoke, contest, neglect, or embrace
their culture without resorting to simplistic assumptions about women.
For the past two decades, since Vietnam opened its doors to the West, a
booming art business has brought economic prosperity to many artists.
Much of this success, however, has been bestowed on men. Vietnamese
women, long stereotyped as obedient, docile and living in the shadows
of
their husbands, have been virtually overlooked by the international art
world. In light of economic changes sweeping over the country in the
era
of globalization, a younger generation of women find themselves in a
position to critique prevailing norms and to question the status quo.
Changing Identity provides a chance to see Vietnam through the eyes of
artists who have a particular perspective of their homeland and
themselves. Not only does it bring to light a previously marginalized
viewpoint of Vietnamese culture, it does so from the standpoint of the
women themselves, providing a unique opportunity to experience the
remarkable talent of the women of Vietnam.
A fully illustrated exhibition catalogue will accompany the national
tour.